A Little Piece of Eternity
Over 160 Years Of Creation
In the 19th century, when the great couturiers had not yet been invented, the shoe was a symbol of French elegance, and François Pinet was one of its representatives. Discover the story of this outstanding craftsman who revolutionized the world of footwear by liberating women.
françois pinet
"The Artist Of Elegance & Comfort"
Son of a shoemaker from Touraine and orphan at 13, François Pinet learned the trade of shoemaker from the Compagnons du Devoir from 1836.
In this vast adopted family who nicknamed him "Tourangeau the Rose of Love" ("Tourangeau la Rose d'Amour"), he imbues himself with a social ideal, at the same time he acquires his incredible know-how.
Shoemaker for the elegant
"The bootmaker who gives wings to women"
At a time when existing production techniques limited creativity, François Pinet particularly cared about the women for whom he decided to design shoes as comfortable as they are elegant.
In 1854, he made his dream come true with the creation of a lighter and more stable heel that frees women: the famous Bobine heel. A true success, his boutiques became a must-see for all Parisians, and his embroidered ankle boots travelled the world.
at the height of fashion
"The most fashionable shoemaker"
Located at rue de Paradis in Paris, François Pinet became the most fashionable of all shoemakers.
Trained in the wake of Charles Frederick Worth, he established his reputation among Haute Couture customers thanks to his Bobine heel, and became the first luxury shoemaker in the world.
The brand's ability to innovate, and to understand the evolution of tastes and fashion was undoubtedly at the origin of its success. Through its numerous patents, Pinet invented new shapes and decorations for his shoes without ever falling into extravagance.
Always on the lookout for the latest trends, the brand surrounded itself with the greatest designers and collaborated successively with Roger Vivier, Salvatore Ferragamo, or even Stuart Weitzman who created collections for F. Pinet.
ENTREPRENEUR AND VISIONARY
"The Social and Humanist Innovator"
Beyond his success, his human qualities and his humility are what makes this man endearing. Far ahead of its time, he anticipated social reforms and ensured to offer exemplary working conditions to his workers by improving their well-being and their safety.
Live the story of F.Pinet
Each pair of F.Pinet shoes is an invitation to walk on the historical path of the brand.
1836
François Pinet joins the shoemakers-bootmakers at the Compagnons du Devoir under the name of Tourangeau la rose d'amour.
1854
The first patent for the Bobine heel is registered: a stronger, thinner and a more stable option next to the popular Louis XV heel.
1855
François Pinet creates the F.Pinet brand and begins to distribute his collections throughout France.
1865
F. Pinet moves to 42-44 rue du Paradis-Poissonnière with a new large boutique, offices and workshops.
1867
F. Pinet receives his first medal at the World’s Fair (Exposition universelle) for his technical innovations.
1901
The Madeleine flagship store is opened at the corner of Rue Cambon and Boulevard de Madeleine.
1905
F. Pinet, a now globally well-renowned brand, opens a flagship store in London on New Bond Street.
1925
F. Pinet's international expansion continues with stores in New York, Vienna, and Cairo among others.
1938
Roger Vivier creates a collection in the colors of British royalty and brings the iconic Bobine (Spool) heel up to date.
1950
Salvatore Ferragamo, the shoe designer to the stars, is invited to create the F.Pinet collections.
1980
Stuart Weitzman succeeds Roger Vivier and Salvatore Ferragamo as guest designer.
2018
Frédéric Foubet Marzorati, better known under the name of Fred Marzo, becomes artistic director of F.Pinet.